Reflections on Ash Wednesday

“For dust you are and to dust you will return." —Genesis 3:19b

"The time has come," [Jesus] said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" —Mark 1:15

Ash Wednesday is a day for reflection, repentance, and mourning sin. In Mass services held on this day, priests quote either Genesis 3:19 or Mark 1:15 as they make a mark of ash in the shape of a cross on each congregant's forehead. Both verses are perfect for the thoughts associated with this day.

Ash Wednesday's ashes symbolize two things. First, they remind us of the penalty for sin—”to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19b). They also symbolize the Bible times' tradition of sitting in the ashes and putting them on one's head when mourning or repenting. The following passages give examples: 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1, Job 2:8, Daniel 9:3, and Matthew 11:21.

But Mark 1:15 shows us we don't have to sit in the ashes, mourning sin forever. Jesus invites us to take action, turning away from sin and believing Jesus has triumphed once and for all over sin and death for us.

So, on Ash Wednesday and throughout the full season of Lent, we prepare for Easter by asking God to search our hearts and help us repent of any unconfessed sin. (See Psalm 51 for help with this.) We reflect on Christ's sacrifice and why it was necessary. We draw near as He has enabled us to. We practice gratitude.

As with the story of Jesus' birth, we benefit from contemplating Christ's sacrifice for us all year. However, these dates on the Christian calendar give us specific reminders, so we won't get so busy with our daily lives that we forget to pause and reflect. Christ gave His life to restore what sin destroyed. Let's honor Him always.

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Photo by Ahna Ziegler on Unsplash

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Noise

Clutter is noise to the eye A cacophony of chaos That distracts Forces lids shut Like hands over ears Desperate for focus nowhere Yet everywhere to be found Too many choices Eyes need a place to land Clean up clutter Clear view Clear mind Find peace Breathe deep See clear

But

I am trusting God to provide the money, the time, the health— every resource I find so necessary, but if He does not, He is enough. He will always be enough because He is the reason for my being. He created me for Him, to worship Him through all eternity which begins right now, which began when I first knew Him back then at six. But for now, I am here, asking for needs to be met— trusting, waiting, trying, working— all in His presence. If nothing comes of it, He is here. He is there. He is God, and I’m His child. All is well.

About the Author

Janet Benlien Reeves was born and raised in Southern California, but she has spent most of her adult life moving from home to home as an Army chaplain’s wife. She and her husband, now retired from the military, have also lived in Missouri, Maine, New York, the Netherlands, South Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, and Washington State. As Janet and her husband traveled from home to home, six children joined their adventure. Four are grown; one is married. Now four darling children call Janet “Memaw.” Janet has worked as a Sunday school curriculum editor and freelance writer. She recently earned her MA in Professional Writing and her MFA in Creative Writing from Liberty University. She has written two books: Home Is Where God Sends Yo u and Parachute Prayer . Janet enjoys reading, running, exploring the great outdoors, and making pictures with her camera. Her life has no meaning without Jesus; His life means salvation, love, hope, peace, and joy to her—and so much more! She belie...

Janet Benlien Reeves

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